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BM9600 - Project Management

What will I learn on this module?

From both a practical and theoretical view you will learn to think about what project management means, the process of project management and how to manage projects by using a number of professional project management methods such as project charters, benefits realisation, work-breakdown structures, and scheduling techniques. Within this module the main topics covered (incorporating the knowledge areas outlined by the globally recognised ‘A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge’ PMBOK®) include:

• Identifying project requirements• Addressing the various needs and expectations of the relevant social groups as a project is planned and carried out• Setting and maintaining active communication with relevant social groups• Sustainable project management and addressing competing project constraints such as scope, quality, schedule, budget, resources and risk.

The module will develop your professional skills and confidence in managing projects using various techniques and drawing on your academic study of contemporary project management literature. You will explore a range of approaches plus alternative views in order to challenge assumptions and identify ways to make project management more meaningful and sustainable. You will become aware of the role of professional techniques and methodologies as an aid to managing projects. Alongside this practical learning you will develop critical understanding of the importance of integrating social and ethical criteria into project planning and operation.

On completing the module you will be able to utilise appropriate professional project management techniques. You will have developed a blend of technical skills with reflective, social knowledge to support the theoretical material introduced throughout the module.

Completion of the module also provides eligibility for entrance to the ‘Certified Associate of Project Management’ examination. This is a credential offered by the globally recognised Project Management Institute provided the candidate has at least 24 hours of formal project management education.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through lectures (one-hour per week), workshops (two-hours per week), experiential and independent learning. The lectures will cover theories and concepts that will enable you to tackle problem-based learning and either a real or case-study project to be undertaken in groups. You will work on exercises and the project during workshops in the computer labs which will make use of the latest specialist project management web-based software. Experiential learning of relevant knowledge and information will be facilitated by a real or case study project and associated team working, communication and interpersonal skills. You will present your projects (formative assessment) in groups and the tutor will provide feedback. You will then submit an individual assignment (summative) at the end of the teaching semester.

There will be additional reading and online resources listed on the module’s e-learning portal that will permit you to undertake further critical and independent inquiry. Independent learning time is set aside for learning activities, self-identified by you, to gain a deeper and broader knowledge of the subject.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Support will include feedback from tutors during the workshops. In addition the module leader will respond to questions via the module’s discussion board at the University’s eLearning Portal so that the whole group can benefit. Lecture content and assessment briefing will be captured using Panopto video platform and made available to you to support the main lectures.

You will be provided with an electronic reading list which comprises publications from professional bodies, academic reports, books, conference papers and journal articles that will inform you about relevant theory and practice of responsible project management in an international context. Quizzes will be made available to you on the eLearning Portal to use for self-assessment of your knowledge and understanding.

You will be provided with formative assessment based on your group presentation of the project. This feedback will support you in writing your individual assignment to be submitted at the end of the teaching semester. Electronic management of assessment (EMA) will be used for assessment of coursework.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge and Understanding• You will demonstrate your understanding of a range of contrasting theory and research about approaches to contemporary project management practice and solutions. (MLO1)

• You will engage with a range of professional project management techniques in order to apply knowledge to complex problems and identify appropriate and sustainable project management solutions. (MLO2)

Intellectual/Professional Skills and Abilities• Working on your own and in teams you will develop effective interpersonal communication skills and the ability to apply a range of professional techniques and technologies including specialist software. (MLO3)

Professional Values Attributes• You will develop and reinforce the characteristics of a Northumbria graduate as you reflect on problems and challenge conventional solutions, and show innovation in applying concepts and theories to case studies and your group project. The Project Management Institute Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct guides practitioners and describe the expectations practitioners should have for themselves. There is a basic obligation of responsibility, respect, fairness and honesty. Acceptance of this code is essential for project managers. (MLO4)

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessmentFormative assessment of knowledge and understanding, intellectual/professional skills and attributes and professional value attributes will be carried out on a continuous basis within the workshops. This will take place through the group project and presentation of this project, assignment discussion and reflection together with theory/practice related discussions.

Summative assessmentThe final assessment will be a 3,000-word individual essay (100%). You will review, in the light of your new knowledge and understanding of theory, the group project on which you have already worked to apply knowledge to problems and identify sustainable solutions. You will include the following essential elements: i) demonstrate your understanding of a range of contrasting theory and research about approaches to contemporary project management practice and solutions, ii) analyse how you engaged with project management techniques and methods on your own and as part of a team, iii) evaluate the use and effectiveness in applying specialist software technology within the context of the module. This assessment will assess MLO1, MLO2, MLO3 and MLO4.

Pre-requisite(s)

NONE

Co-requisite(s)

NONE

Module abstract

‘Project Management’ will develop your knowledge and skills as a project management practitioner. You will be able to draw upon a wide range of both traditional and contemporary techniques and approaches to manage projects more effectively. Through experience and reflection you will challenge current thinking whilst also gaining exposure to alternative and new ideas about managing projects sustainably and ethically in a global society.

You will have the opportunity to work on a real or case study project. You will evaluate your experience of using project management tools and techniques, comparing this with the existing approaches espoused in the literature, through presentation and writing up your processes, strategies and reflections in an individual report which accounts for 100% of the assessment.

As a graduate you will almost certainly work on projects and in teams. The skills developed on ‘Project Management’ will equip you with key attributes of a Northumbria University graduate’s portfolio for employability.

Course info

UCAS Code N1S8

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years full-time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Any Questions?

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